Dennis "Buster" Johnson was born in reserve, LA to parents Solomon Johnson and Denise Weston; the eldest of four brothers, Ulysses, Solomon Jr., and James Johnson, all preceding him in death. "Buster" also affectionately called Dutch, Boots, Poppie, Poppa and Pappa Johnson passed away at his home in Oakland of natural causes at the age of 94.
Buster attended school through 10th grade but stopped after his mother told him she couldn't afford to give him three dollars for a suit to attend a dance. That was it for Buster; it was time to become a man! He went to work on the sugar barges that operate along the Mississippi river. "I needed to work," he told his grandchildren when recalling the story about his youth. "Back in reserve, people never had any money, but we always had food." It was a memory that always made him laugh, Perhaps this is why The Johnson Home is filled with fond memories of wonderful family gatherings and fulfilling meals.
In March of 1937, against ALL odds, Buster married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Smith in reserve, LA. Buster came to Oakland, CA in July of 1942 and immediately went to work the day he arrived on a construction job secured by his brother in law, Ozy Smith (deceased). At that time, the couple had three children: Ellsworth and Dennis both of whom proceeded him in death and Ozema affectionately called "Mose." Mary and the boys remained in Reserve while Buster established a foothold here in California. Six months later, he sent for his family, bringing his wife and children by train to Oakland in 1943. He was among thousands of African Americans who took part in what has become know as the "Great Migration," that brought blacks north from the South during WWII to work in ware-time industries. In 1945, The Johnson Family welcomed their fourth child and only girl, Jacqueline, fondly referred to as "Buster's child."
Buster now employed at the Oakland Naval Supply Center worked as a clerk until the war ended. After which he went to work for Zellerbach Paper Co. and also moonlighted delivering the S.F. Examiner. In 1953, Buster went to work for East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) hauling pipe retiring from the organization in 1976.
Papa Johnson united with the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in West Oakland in 1964 when he was baptized and where he was a active member serving as Church Trustee and Sunday School Supply Purchaser. He also maintained the school's attendance records and later the church grounds until his health failed. In addition to Mary, Buster maintained another lifelong love, baseball! After his retirement from EBMUD he went to work for the Oakland Parks and Recreation Department as an Umpire, working both the men's and woman's softball and hardball games. His love of the game was so strong he would umpire five to six days a week. It wasn't until he tried to include Sundays on his schedule that he ran into resistance from his true love, Mary. Orthopedic issues with his legs caused him to stop umpiring in 1991.
After that, Poppa continued his enjoyment of his grand and great grandchildren, picking them up from school, chauffeuring them to and from, helping with homework and going to his great grandson's baseball games. Buster was also a great Bid Whist player and was know for gloating after defeating and opponent. Poppa was a newshound and read newspapers everyday. He was always abreast of current events and was very politically astute. All who know him can attest that he was never short of words or memorable phrases such as "You never had it so good," he would often tell his grandchildren as they walked past him sitting in his trademark leather chair or the classic favorite "you better hope your grandmother lives forever..."
Buster is survived by his loving and doting wife Mary Johnson of 73 years, son Ozema Johnson, daughter Jackie Jacobs, brother-in-law LeRoy Smith of Cleveland, OH, sister-in-law Jeanette Morrow of Indio, CA, five grandchildren Denis Hood, Martin G, (Caitlin) Reynolds, Aavan "Hawk" Jonsson, Aaron Jacobs, Marilyn Jacobs, seven great grandchildren, nieces Sandra Hubbard, Paulette (AL) Johnson and Chiquita Johnson, nephew Myron Johnson, special family friends, Ulla-Britt Jonsson and Hal & Turi Reynolds; extended grand-daughter Erica Jacobs and a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Buster attended school through 10th grade but stopped after his mother told him she couldn't afford to give him three dollars for a suit to attend a dance. That was it for Buster; it was time to become a man! He went to work on the sugar barges that operate along the Mississippi river. "I needed to work," he told his grandchildren when recalling the story about his youth. "Back in reserve, people never had any money, but we always had food." It was a memory that always made him laugh, Perhaps this is why The Johnson Home is filled with fond memories of wonderful family gatherings and fulfilling meals.
In March of 1937, against ALL odds, Buster married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Smith in reserve, LA. Buster came to Oakland, CA in July of 1942 and immediately went to work the day he arrived on a construction job secured by his brother in law, Ozy Smith (deceased). At that time, the couple had three children: Ellsworth and Dennis both of whom proceeded him in death and Ozema affectionately called "Mose." Mary and the boys remained in Reserve while Buster established a foothold here in California. Six months later, he sent for his family, bringing his wife and children by train to Oakland in 1943. He was among thousands of African Americans who took part in what has become know as the "Great Migration," that brought blacks north from the South during WWII to work in ware-time industries. In 1945, The Johnson Family welcomed their fourth child and only girl, Jacqueline, fondly referred to as "Buster's child."
Buster now employed at the Oakland Naval Supply Center worked as a clerk until the war ended. After which he went to work for Zellerbach Paper Co. and also moonlighted delivering the S.F. Examiner. In 1953, Buster went to work for East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) hauling pipe retiring from the organization in 1976.
Papa Johnson united with the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in West Oakland in 1964 when he was baptized and where he was a active member serving as Church Trustee and Sunday School Supply Purchaser. He also maintained the school's attendance records and later the church grounds until his health failed. In addition to Mary, Buster maintained another lifelong love, baseball! After his retirement from EBMUD he went to work for the Oakland Parks and Recreation Department as an Umpire, working both the men's and woman's softball and hardball games. His love of the game was so strong he would umpire five to six days a week. It wasn't until he tried to include Sundays on his schedule that he ran into resistance from his true love, Mary. Orthopedic issues with his legs caused him to stop umpiring in 1991.
After that, Poppa continued his enjoyment of his grand and great grandchildren, picking them up from school, chauffeuring them to and from, helping with homework and going to his great grandson's baseball games. Buster was also a great Bid Whist player and was know for gloating after defeating and opponent. Poppa was a newshound and read newspapers everyday. He was always abreast of current events and was very politically astute. All who know him can attest that he was never short of words or memorable phrases such as "You never had it so good," he would often tell his grandchildren as they walked past him sitting in his trademark leather chair or the classic favorite "you better hope your grandmother lives forever..."
Buster is survived by his loving and doting wife Mary Johnson of 73 years, son Ozema Johnson, daughter Jackie Jacobs, brother-in-law LeRoy Smith of Cleveland, OH, sister-in-law Jeanette Morrow of Indio, CA, five grandchildren Denis Hood, Martin G, (Caitlin) Reynolds, Aavan "Hawk" Jonsson, Aaron Jacobs, Marilyn Jacobs, seven great grandchildren, nieces Sandra Hubbard, Paulette (AL) Johnson and Chiquita Johnson, nephew Myron Johnson, special family friends, Ulla-Britt Jonsson and Hal & Turi Reynolds; extended grand-daughter Erica Jacobs and a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Dennis "Buster" Johnson was born in reserve, LA to parents Solomon Johnson and Denise Weston; the eldest of four brothers, Ulysses, Solomon Jr., and James Johnson, all preceding him in death. "Buster" also affectionately called Dutch, Boots, Poppie, Poppa and Pappa Johnson passed away at his home in Oakland of natural causes at the age of 94.
Buster attended school through 10th grade but stopped after his mother told him she couldn't afford to give him three dollars for a suit to attend a dance. That was it for Buster; it was time to become a man! He went to work on the sugar barges that operate along the Mississippi river. "I needed to work," he told his grandchildren when recalling the story about his youth. "Back in reserve, people never had any money, but we always had food." It was a memory that always made him laugh, Perhaps this is why The Johnson Home is filled with fond memories of wonderful family gatherings and fulfilling meals.
In March of 1937, against ALL odds, Buster married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Smith in reserve, LA. Buster came to Oakland, CA in July of 1942 and immediately went to work the day he arrived on a construction job secured by his brother in law, Ozy Smith (deceased). At that time, the couple had three children: Ellsworth and Dennis both of whom proceeded him in death and Ozema affectionately called "Mose." Mary and the boys remained in Reserve while Buster established a foothold here in California. Six months later, he sent for his family, bringing his wife and children by train to Oakland in 1943. He was among thousands of African Americans who took part in what has become know as the "Great Migration," that brought blacks north from the South during WWII to work in ware-time industries. In 1945, The Johnson Family welcomed their fourth child and only girl, Jacqueline, fondly referred to as "Buster's child."
Buster now employed at the Oakland Naval Supply Center worked as a clerk until the war ended. After which he went to work for Zellerbach Paper Co. and also moonlighted delivering the S.F. Examiner. In 1953, Buster went to work for East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) hauling pipe retiring from the organization in 1976.
Papa Johnson united with the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in West Oakland in 1964 when he was baptized and where he was a active member serving as Church Trustee and Sunday School Supply Purchaser. He also maintained the school's attendance records and later the church grounds until his health failed. In addition to Mary, Buster maintained another lifelong love, baseball! After his retirement from EBMUD he went to work for the Oakland Parks and Recreation Department as an Umpire, working both the men's and woman's softball and hardball games. His love of the game was so strong he would umpire five to six days a week. It wasn't until he tried to include Sundays on his schedule that he ran into resistance from his true love, Mary. Orthopedic issues with his legs caused him to stop umpiring in 1991.
After that, Poppa continued his enjoyment of his grand and great grandchildren, picking them up from school, chauffeuring them to and from, helping with homework and going to his great grandson's baseball games. Buster was also a great Bid Whist player and was know for gloating after defeating and opponent. Poppa was a newshound and read newspapers everyday. He was always abreast of current events and was very politically astute. All who know him can attest that he was never short of words or memorable phrases such as "You never had it so good," he would often tell his grandchildren as they walked past him sitting in his trademark leather chair or the classic favorite "you better hope your grandmother lives forever..."
Buster is survived by his loving and doting wife Mary Johnson of 73 years, son Ozema Johnson, daughter Jackie Jacobs, brother-in-law LeRoy Smith of Cleveland, OH, sister-in-law Jeanette Morrow of Indio, CA, five grandchildren Denis Hood, Martin G, (Caitlin) Reynolds, Aavan "Hawk" Jonsson, Aaron Jacobs, Marilyn Jacobs, seven great grandchildren, nieces Sandra Hubbard, Paulette (AL) Johnson and Chiquita Johnson, nephew Myron Johnson, special family friends, Ulla-Britt Jonsson and Hal & Turi Reynolds; extended grand-daughter Erica Jacobs and a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Buster attended school through 10th grade but stopped after his mother told him she couldn't afford to give him three dollars for a suit to attend a dance. That was it for Buster; it was time to become a man! He went to work on the sugar barges that operate along the Mississippi river. "I needed to work," he told his grandchildren when recalling the story about his youth. "Back in reserve, people never had any money, but we always had food." It was a memory that always made him laugh, Perhaps this is why The Johnson Home is filled with fond memories of wonderful family gatherings and fulfilling meals.
In March of 1937, against ALL odds, Buster married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Smith in reserve, LA. Buster came to Oakland, CA in July of 1942 and immediately went to work the day he arrived on a construction job secured by his brother in law, Ozy Smith (deceased). At that time, the couple had three children: Ellsworth and Dennis both of whom proceeded him in death and Ozema affectionately called "Mose." Mary and the boys remained in Reserve while Buster established a foothold here in California. Six months later, he sent for his family, bringing his wife and children by train to Oakland in 1943. He was among thousands of African Americans who took part in what has become know as the "Great Migration," that brought blacks north from the South during WWII to work in ware-time industries. In 1945, The Johnson Family welcomed their fourth child and only girl, Jacqueline, fondly referred to as "Buster's child."
Buster now employed at the Oakland Naval Supply Center worked as a clerk until the war ended. After which he went to work for Zellerbach Paper Co. and also moonlighted delivering the S.F. Examiner. In 1953, Buster went to work for East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) hauling pipe retiring from the organization in 1976.
Papa Johnson united with the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in West Oakland in 1964 when he was baptized and where he was a active member serving as Church Trustee and Sunday School Supply Purchaser. He also maintained the school's attendance records and later the church grounds until his health failed. In addition to Mary, Buster maintained another lifelong love, baseball! After his retirement from EBMUD he went to work for the Oakland Parks and Recreation Department as an Umpire, working both the men's and woman's softball and hardball games. His love of the game was so strong he would umpire five to six days a week. It wasn't until he tried to include Sundays on his schedule that he ran into resistance from his true love, Mary. Orthopedic issues with his legs caused him to stop umpiring in 1991.
After that, Poppa continued his enjoyment of his grand and great grandchildren, picking them up from school, chauffeuring them to and from, helping with homework and going to his great grandson's baseball games. Buster was also a great Bid Whist player and was know for gloating after defeating and opponent. Poppa was a newshound and read newspapers everyday. He was always abreast of current events and was very politically astute. All who know him can attest that he was never short of words or memorable phrases such as "You never had it so good," he would often tell his grandchildren as they walked past him sitting in his trademark leather chair or the classic favorite "you better hope your grandmother lives forever..."
Buster is survived by his loving and doting wife Mary Johnson of 73 years, son Ozema Johnson, daughter Jackie Jacobs, brother-in-law LeRoy Smith of Cleveland, OH, sister-in-law Jeanette Morrow of Indio, CA, five grandchildren Denis Hood, Martin G, (Caitlin) Reynolds, Aavan "Hawk" Jonsson, Aaron Jacobs, Marilyn Jacobs, seven great grandchildren, nieces Sandra Hubbard, Paulette (AL) Johnson and Chiquita Johnson, nephew Myron Johnson, special family friends, Ulla-Britt Jonsson and Hal & Turi Reynolds; extended grand-daughter Erica Jacobs and a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
